A blog about my love of sewing, knitting, and other creative pursuits.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

New top!

It is certainly time to start thinking about new tops for spring and summer. Even if the temperatures and rain say winter, it is good to start thinking of sun and warmer, kinder weather. I love light weight knit tops that are more interesting than the basic tee. Pretty prints, nice silhouettes and interesting details are more my style than a basic, solid colored t-shirt.

I selected Simplicity 1716 view F for my first new top. I really like the fit of Simplicity knit tops. They seem to really suit my figure. I especially like the fact that the shoulders and neck are small enough not to gape. I used a very light weight cotton/spandex blend jersey that I purchased from Mood Fabrics last year some time. They do not have any left in stock.

Here are some pictures of the finished top:

First on Lynntu, I love the draped front.

The side seams are gathered using stretched elastic sewn to the side seam allowances.

I had enough material left that I made an infinity scarf out of the remnant.

And doubled around the neck. Not sure I would ever wear the scarf with the matching top, but it is interesting how well the scarf sort of blends into drape of the cowl neck.

Now on me! I did the usual adjustments I have to make. I took 1" out of the length at the waist since I am both short and short-waisted. That is usually enough to make the top hit at a flattering place on me and that was the case with this top. I also, as usual, had to cut the sleeves off by 3" to make them short enough. It is hard to see it on this patterned fabric, but I used my cover stitch machine to do the hems on both the sleeves and the body of the top. I serged all the other seams. I only needed my regular machine to add the elastic at the side seams. I used clear elastic to both stabilize the shoulder seams and to gather the side seams.

Back view.

And another closer view of the front:

I really like how this top fits and it is very airy and breezy and easy to wear. I like the other views on this pattern as well and I can see making more garments from this pattern.

About Me

I am here to share my love of sewing and other creative pursuits. I spent many years in an industry that allowed me little time for my creative outlets. I am now enjoying my time and spending some of it creating. I am a retired integrated circuit process engineer. I worked creating computer chips. I left the industry and find that I really don't miss it. I live with my husband and our Siberian husky in Woodinville. In addition to my creative pursuits, I also enjoy cooking, reading, and the outdoors. I love to walk and hike.